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Ukraine has announced the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for a new locally engineered defensive UAV to strengthen its air defences. Three initial producers have started production, with an additional eleven preparing to set up production lines, Ukrainian military officials stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Battlefield Situations

The drones utilize a nationally created system called “Octopus” designed to intercept Shahed drones. This technology has been tested in actual battle and demonstrated effective “during nighttime, under jamming and at low altitudes,” the ministry stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established a target of producing as many as 1,000 interceptors daily.

Recent Attack on Kyiv Characterized as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Moscow's most recent assault on Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and wicked” following six individuals were killed and many others wounded in a wave of night-time strikes throughout Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded in the capital shortly after 12 AM on Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy stated the nation was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and multiple missiles. The deceased were at home in an apartment building on Kyiv’s left bank when it was hit. Numerous of other buildings sustained damage, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Protest Following Embassy Damage

The Azerbaijani government announced it delivered a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative on Friday after the destruction at its diplomatic compound. The blast from a Russian Iskander missile destroyed a section of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused serious damage to the embassy grounds, officials from Baku reported. No one was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Russian Aerial Bomb Production Experiences Significant Increase

Moscow plans to produce as many as 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official said, including 500 of a new, longer-range version that is capable of targeting additional urban centers. Russian forces have been launching 200 to 250 glide bombs per day, with the previous month's average daily usage standing at approximately 170, based on defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Attacks Focus on Russian Oil Facilities

Moscow's Black Sea port of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended oil exports on Friday – equivalent to two percent of global supply – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff stated its forces had fired domestically produced missiles and deployed multiple kinds of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to reduce the military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukrainian forces additionally targeted a processing plant in the Saratov area and an energy depot in nearby Engels overnight.

Global Restrictions Impact Moscow's Energy Company

The number two energy company Lukoil announced this past Friday it has been in talks with potential buyers regarding its foreign assets after last month’s restrictions from the UK and the US and the collapse of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal will be announced once conclusive negotiations are completed and required authorizations are secured,” Lukoil commented.

Ukrainian President Schedules Visit to Spanish Capital

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the city of Madrid, Madrid, on Tuesday to confer with parliament members a day after his trip to France, the chamber of deputies announced. Zelenskyy would meet representatives from all houses of the legislature during his visit, the Spanish statement said.